Mining & Gold: Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat says Guyana’s gold declarations hit the half-year target for the first time in about nine years, reaching roughly 233,000 ounces (about 25,000 more than last year), with the sector now close to 240,000 ounces despite tough weather, crediting tougher enforcement and non-renewals of licences/permits. Oil & Contracts: Ghanaian Cybele Energy faces a final warning over the US$17M S7 signing bonus, with the end of July set as the “absolute cut-off date”; default interest has reportedly pushed the amount owed to above US$20M, with possible suspension or cancellation looming. Housing Backlog: Housing Minister Collin Croal says the government is on track to clear most house-lot backlog regions within two years, but Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) has 50,000-plus applicants with no firm timeline yet. Livestock & Biosecurity: The Agriculture Ministry and GLDA push back on claims of cattle entering without clearance, pointing to quarantine, veterinary checks, and humane transport protocols as pregnant heifers arrive from Brazil to expand the national herd. Workforce Development: Labour Ministry’s BIT will host a National Youth Skills Forum and Skills Search Expo on July 15 to match training and apprenticeships to Guyana’s expanding economy. Demographics & Planning: Guyana’s population has surpassed one million, reaching 1,025,334 by end-2025, reinforcing the need for data-led planning for youth, jobs, and services. Energy Skills Training: GPL held a technical CSR workshop for staff on renewable energy integration and battery storage, supported by Huawei experts. Regional/International: CARICOM leaders endorsed Guyana’s UN Secretary-General nominee, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, and backed Guyana in its border dispute with Venezuela.